A naming ceremony is a non-religious celebration to welcome a child into the family.
Typically the ceremony would not be held in a church, but it could include certain elements
from a traditional religious service if desired.
A naming ceremony can be officiated by a celebrant, rather than an ordained minister.
In a naming ceremony there do not have to be “godparents” although many parents choose to nominate two or three adults to be “mentors” or “guides” for the child.
Promises are not made on behalf of the baby being named, as happens in a christening, but parents and “mentors” may make promises to the child. These can be tailored to suit the individual circumstances of all concerned.
Naming ceremonies can be held anywhere and the format can be personalized to suit the wishes of the parents. You could, for instance, have a ceremony in a garden, or on the beach. There could be readings, poetry, music – whatever makes it meaningful and personal.
The focus of the ceremony is the naming of the child in the presence of friends and family: it is a very special day, one that is as individual as the parents and the child.
In our increasingly-complex world, naming ceremonies are not just for newly-born babies: they can be used to welcome an adopted child into the family, for instance, or to blend step-
children into an extended family.
Whatever the situation, I can help you create a ceremony that will make the occasion special, highly personalised and something to be remembered.
Enquiries
Please contact me by email or by phone.
The date should already have been confirmed with the venue if need be.
I will check my availability, and we will arrange a meeting at your home or at the venue: a meeting by Zoom or Teams is also possible.
I shall send you some basic information ahead of our meeting.
When we meet, I shall ask you for a lot of information about parents, “mentors” and of
course the baby to be named, so that I can prepare a draft of the service.
I shall be in touch with the venue to ensure all goes smoothly on the day.